Honda S660 JW5.
The coilover guide.
Shop the coiloversKeep the S660's small mid-engine layout usable. Compare the two listed kits, identify the original grade and plan the staggered wheels, rear strut clearance and final alignment together.
Honda's small mid-engine roadster, launched in 2015.
The S660 puts its engine behind the seats and drives the rear wheels. Its original front and rear wheel sizes differ, and both axles use strut assemblies. Choose the suspension around the actual car's grade, wheels and available movement.
Our current JW5 range has BC Racing V1 VA BCR-A-105 and TEIN FLEX Z VSHG8-C1SS4. TEIN's named row covers Japanese Alpha and Beta cars. Modulo X, Mugen RA and substantially modified cars need a separate specification check.
Honda announced the S660 in March 2015, with Japanese sales beginning on 2 April. The two-seat roadster combined a turbocharged three-cylinder engine with rear-wheel drive. Alpha and Beta buyers could choose a six-speed manual or a CVT with a seven-step paddle-shift mode.
The removable fabric roll-top leaves the rear buttresses in place. Honda's original chassis drawings show MacPherson front struts and a rear multi-link strut arrangement, with a coil spring around each damper. The original tyres were 165/55R15 at the front and 195/45R16 at the rear; record what is fitted now before planning a lower height.
Later complete-car versions changed the starting specification. Modulo X brought dedicated five-stage adjustable suspension in 2018. Mugen RA used its own Bilstein height-adjustable suspension. Those parts are a reason to identify the original car carefully, even when it still carries the same JW5 frame code.
Model history: Honda: original S660 launchHonda: original 2015 technical press informationHonda: Modulo X launchMugen: RA specification.
Start with your S660 JW5.
Match the model year, engine and body style before comparing brands.
Alpha / Beta six-speed manual
Confirm the Japanese JW5 frame code, original Alpha or Beta grade and build date. Honda offered both grades with six-speed manual transmission. These two listed kits are starting points for the exact-car check; disclose changed wheels, mounts or suspension before ordering.
Compare the manual starting kits
Alpha / Beta CVT
The launch Alpha and Beta range also included CVT. Match the actual grade and original market against the supplier application, then record current wheel and tyre dimensions. A UK registration or a photograph cannot establish the full original specification.
Compare the CVT starting kits
Factory specials
Modulo X and Mugen RA have their own suspension equipment. Concept Edition and other named versions also need their actual grade checked against the chosen supplier row. Provide the frame code and fitted parts for an individual application review.
Check my factory specification
Converted and competition cars
Different arms, mounts, aero, engine changes or substantial weight changes need an individual setup. Include the tyres, roof or cage arrangement and intended events. A standard Alpha/Beta application does not establish a complete competition specification.
Discuss my modified S660What do you want
from the car?
Road miles, circuit weekends or a car built around the lap. Start with how you drive.
Match the V1 mount arrangement and retain usable road clearance.
Read the buying advice
The current BC V1 VA BCR-A-105 listing names 4 kg/mm front and 4.5 kg/mm rear springs, with a front pillowball configuration. Confirm the actual front adjustment and which rear mounts are supplied or reused. Discuss mount condition and noise expectations with the fitter, then choose a usable height around the actual front and rear tyres. V1 has a combined damping control.
- Front pillowball configuration
- Listed 4 front / 4.5 rear kg/mm springs
- Keep usable road clearance
Use the exact TEIN row and its rear strut fitting limit.
Read the buying advice
For the named Japanese Alpha/Beta JW5, TEIN FLEX Z VSHG8-C1SS4 has 16-level combined damping adjustment, front camber-adjustable mounts and reinforced rubber rear mounts. Springs are 4 kgf/mm front and 5 kgf/mm rear. Its recommended height change is -25 to -5 mm at each axle on the reference car. TEIN also says not to exceed 332 mm rear damper-case length because of body interference. Have the installer follow the complete instructions and assess the actual tyres and event requirements.
- Japanese Alpha / Beta application
- Front camber / reinforced rubber rear mounts
- Observe the exact rear case-length limit
Specify the build before selecting springs, mounts and damping.
Read the buying advice
We do not list a verified bespoke S660 competition package. Provide the original grade, current weight changes, tyres, suspension arms, aero and intended ruleset. Assess front and rear travel, driver clearance and the roof/cage arrangement with the installer and supplier before choosing a specification.
- Provide the complete build specification
- Check travel and driver clearance
- Assess the intended ruleset
A spring around the rear strut.
The rear spring surrounds the damper on a standard Honda S660 JW5.
Component layout only. Mounts, dimensions and adjusters vary by kit.Honda describes the S660's rear suspension as a multi-link strut arrangement. Its original drawing shows the coil spring around the damper, unlike the separate rear spring used on a Copen. The front uses a MacPherson strut.
Set height, preload and case length using the instructions for the exact kit. For VSHG8-C1SS4, TEIN warns against a rear case length over 332 mm to prevent contact with the body. That is a fitting constraint, not a recommended lowering amount or a dimension to transfer to the BC kit.
Confirm access around the rear engine cover, fitted braces and any roof or cage changes. A front camber-adjustable mount does not establish the rear adjustment range. Have the fitter measure the final alignment after the intended height is set.
Understand height and preload
Plan for the staggered wheels and rear engine bay.
Measure the actual front and rear wheel widths, offsets and tyres. Honda's original specification uses different sizes at each axle, so a single wheel measurement is not enough. Check steering clearance at the front and tyre, body and suspension clearance through the required travel at both ends.
Inspect mounts, bushes, joints and existing suspension hardware before fitting. Give the installer the selected kit's full fitting notes, including TEIN's rear case-length and Japan-specific fog-light note where relevant. Keep the final alignment printout, measured heights and settings rather than copying another owner's adjustment.
Different wheel sizes at each end
Record widths, offsets and tyre sizes separately for front and rear. Honda's original staggered sizes are a reference for identifying changes, not approval for a different wheel package. Check inner strut clearance and arch clearance on the actual installation.
Factory suspension and existing hardware
Identify Modulo X, Mugen RA or other changed components before ordering replacements. Record what the car was built as and what remains fitted. A shared JW5 code does not settle every special-version mount or hardware question.
Rear case length and control access
Use the exact kit's installation notes for clearance and adjustment. TEIN's 332 mm rear case-length ceiling belongs to VSHG8-C1SS4; it is not a universal S660 setting. Check how the controls will be reached around the engine bay and any added braces.
Roof, cage and circuit use
Tell the installer about a fitted hardtop, cage, seats and substantial weight changes. Check driver clearance and event rules with that actual arrangement. The original removable roll-top and the factory rear buttresses are different parts.
The current S660 JW5 range.
Compare the controls and hardware included in each range.
BCR-A-105 is our current V1 VA for the JW5, with named 4 kg/mm front and 4.5 kg/mm rear springs. BC's V1 table identifies A-105, S660 RWD, JW5 and VA, with front camber availability marked. Confirm the supplied front adjustment and rear mount contents instead of extending a generic configuration label.
View BC Racing S660 JW5 kits
VSHG8-C1SS4 is FLEX Z for the named Japanese Alpha/Beta row. It specifies front camber mounts, reinforced rubber rear mounts, 4 / 5 kgf/mm springs and the stated recommended height range. Its EDFC entry flags an extension-kit requirement with motor location unconfirmed; no controller or installation approval is implied.
View TEIN S660 JW5 kitsFind your S660 JW5 coilovers.
Prices include UK VAT. Choose an application and brand, then open a kit for its current options and availability.
2 listings
Match the engine, body style and axle-load limits on the product page before ordering.
TEIN · VSHG8-C1SS4
TEIN FLEX Z Coilovers for Honda S660 JW5 (Japanese-market imports) - VSHG8-C1SS4
Alpha / Beta six-speed manual / Alpha / Beta CVT
![BC Racing Coilovers - Honda S660 (15+) [JW5]](/images/9c1ba2358f3b4e-480.webp)
BC Racing · BCR-A-105
BC Racing Coilovers - Honda S660 (15+) [JW5]
Alpha / Beta six-speed manual / Alpha / Beta CVT
Before you order.
Identify your car
Record JW5 frame code, original grade, build date and manual or CVT transmission.
Match the kit
Match the exact supplier row; check factory specials and modified cars separately.
Check what’s included
Confirm mounts and full fitting instructions, including TEIN's rear case-length constraint.
Check your modifications
Provide front and rear wheel dimensions for steering, body and suspension clearance checks.
Plan fitting
Arrange fitting and final alignment at the chosen height; retain measurements and settings.
See what the adjustments do.
Damping adjustment explained
What combined, two-way and three-way controls change.
Ride height and spring preload
Understand the two adjustments before choosing a lowering range.
What spring rate tells you
Compare force and movement, read the units and choose a spring with the damper in mind.
Alignment after changing ride height
Set the intended height, check the geometry and keep a useful record of the result.
Questions about Honda S660 JW5 coilovers.
Check the details before choosing your kit.
Which coilover kits are currently listed for the S660?
Our JW5 range currently has BC Racing V1 VA BCR-A-105 and TEIN FLEX Z VSHG8-C1SS4. Open each product for current options and availability. Match the original grade, build date and actual car before ordering.
Does this guide include manual and CVT S660s?
Honda offered Japanese Alpha and Beta cars with both six-speed manual and CVT. TEIN's named row lists Alpha/Beta without a separate transmission exclusion. Confirm the exact original specification and any changes with the selected kit.
What if I have a Modulo X or Mugen RA?
Those cars have dedicated suspension equipment. Send the original grade, frame code and current fitted parts for an individual application check. The standard Alpha/Beta row does not establish every factory-special specification.
Is the rear spring separate from the damper?
No. Honda's original S660 rear drawing shows a coil spring around the damper in a multi-link strut arrangement. It does not use the Copen's separate rear spring layout.
Why does the TEIN rear case-length limit matter?
TEIN warns not to set VSHG8-C1SS4's rear damper-case length over 332 mm, to prevent interference with the body. Follow the complete instructions with the installer. This is not a universal lowering amount or a limit to copy to another kit.
What lowering range does TEIN recommend?
For its named Japanese JW5 Alpha/Beta reference row, TEIN recommends a height change from -25 to -5 mm at both axles. Its maximum adjustment range is different and is not the recommended setting. Actual height depends on the car and installation.
How do the two kits' mounts differ?
The BC listing names a V1 VA front pillowball configuration, with exact supplied adjustment and rear contents to confirm. TEIN's row specifies front camber-adjustable mounts and reinforced rubber rear mounts. Check the actual hardware for the selected application.
Is an EDFC controller included with the TEIN kit?
No. The named row flags an EDFC extension-kit requirement and says the motor installation location is unconfirmed. Check the complete optional equipment and installation requirements separately before ordering electronics.
What should I check alongside fitting?
Inspect existing hardware, record both front and rear wheel and tyre dimensions, and provide the full fitting notes. Check travel and clearance, set the intended height, then arrange final alignment and retain its printout.
Let’s talk suspension.
Tell us the original grade, transmission, frame code and current front and rear wheels on your S660. We can check the named application and discuss the fitting plan.